This stylish, two-story, brick, Beaux-Arts residence stands in a prominent location in the Geneva Street National Register Historic District of Opelika. Built circa 1900, it was recently used as a restaurant and B&B but now stands vacant and in desperate need of repair. Roof and cove gutter problems have damaged the handsome exterior wooden cornice and threaten to spread wood rot and insect infestation to the gracious interior that currently remains intact. Elaborate neoclassical woodwork surrounds original doors, windows, and multiple fireplaces. A dated commercial kitchen needs new appliances to meet current codes.

The City has threatened demolition due to the owner’s ongoing neglect of the exterior, but the local preservation community is fighting to save the landmark building. A relatively new metal roof over the original slate seems serviceable, but the cove gutter problems continue to damage the vintage entablature. The owner would like to fix the building but needs a business partner with capital and a business plan to revitalize the grand old residence as a restaurant, B&B, or another appropriate use.

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Alabama's Endangered Historic Landmarks﻿

​Each year since 1994, Alabama Heritage has highlighted threatened historic sites throughout Alabama. The “Places in Peril” list has identified more than 215 imperiled historic resources throughout the state, and is compiled by the Alabama Historical Commission and the Alabama Trust for Historic Preservation. The locations highlight the results of deferred maintenance, perceived obsolescence, development pressures, and lack of funding—forces that now more than ever threaten our cultural legacy. But awareness is a powerful force, too, and can cultivate a renewed determination to be responsible stewards of our heritage. For more information, visit the AHC or the ATHP websites. Alabama Heritage is proud to bring to you a selection of the places designated as perilous. Please keep your comments to information relevant to the featured place in peril. Alabama Heritage reserves the right to delete any comment that we deem inappropriate.